Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
THE Mighty Warriors left the country yesterday carrying not just luggage, but the hopes of a nation eager to see its women’s football team reclaim its place among the region’s elite.
With smiles on their faces and confidence coursing through the camp, the Zimbabwe senior women’s national team flew out to Zambia ahead of the Four Nations Tournament where they begin their quest for silverware against Lesotho on Saturday.
For coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda and her charges, this is more than just another tournament. It is a chance to prove how far they have come since their last international assignment and an opportunity to lay down a marker ahead of future continental battles.
Unlike previous camps where concerns over fitness and lack of game time haunted preparations, this time the Mighty Warriors head into battle armed with something they have not enjoyed in a long while — momentum.
The Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League is now in full swing and many of the players arrive in camp match sharp and physically ready for the challenge.
The squad also boasts a stronger look with a number of foreign-based players available for selection, giving Sibanda more options and depth across the pitch.
There is also the added boost of experienced forward Ethel Chinyerere, who recently joined Zambian side Green Buffaloes and will link up with the squad in Ndola.
The Mighty Warriors open their campaign against Lesotho at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday.
Victory would book a place in Tuesday’s final while defeat would see them contest the third-place play-off.
Hosts Zambia and Kenya clash in the other semi-final.
While Lesotho are first on the agenda, many eyes are already fixed on a possible showdown against regional giants Zambia.
The Copper Queens have often been Zimbabwe’s stumbling block in recent years, but there is growing belief within the Mighty Warriors camp that the gap is slowly closing.
Zimbabwe reached the final of an international tournament in Malawi last December before settling for silver after losing to Zambia. Earlier this year they also held the Copper Queens to a goalless draw at the COSAFA tournament before suffering defeat in the bronze medal match.
Those experiences have only strengthened the team’s resolve.
The Four Nations Tournament also comes at a crucial stage in Zimbabwe’s preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers against Malawi scheduled for October.
For now, however, all focus is on Lesotho.
The Mighty Warriors have boarded the plane, completed the preparations and embraced the challenge.
Now comes the time to deliver.
